Thursday, July 14 2005 19:19 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Bangalore: Karnataka Government was in the process of exempting all agricultural implements from VAT, Deputy Chief Minister and Finance Minister Siddaramaiah announced in the State assembly today (July 14, 2005).

Several agricultural implements listed under the VAT schedule enjoyed zero per cent tax now and those unlisted attracted 12.5 per cent tax, he said while intervening during a reply on the demands for grants pertaining to the agriculture department.

Siddaramaiah said while oil seeds used for sowing operations have been exempted from tax, the seeds used for extraction of oil is charged four per cent tax.

Several members demanded the Government to exempt agricultural implements from tax.

Agriculture Minister K Srinivasa Gowda said the Government would establish a Krishi Bhavan in the city named after former agriculture Minister late C Byregowda.

Minister for Horticulture, Alangur Srinivas said a biotechnology park to exclusively cater to the needs of horticulturists would be set up at Belgaum at a cost of Rs 50 lakh.